Here are five secrets for keeping that breading right where you want it—on the meat.
5 Reasons Why the Breading Keeps Falling Off Your Chicken
Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
Breaded chicken is one of the easiest dinners to throw together in a pinch. Try this recipe for perfectly seasoned chicken strips. It’s fast, filling and delicious, and can be a great complement to salads or pasta dishes. As easy as breaded chicken is to throw together, perfecting the technique can be tricky at first. It seems that all too often, breading falls off chicken, leaving you with half of the crunchy goodness you started with. So how do you fix it?
Whether you’re using a beer batter or the classic three-step system (egg, flour, crumb), here are the five biggest mistakes when breading, and how to make sure you’ve got the crispiest, crunchiest cutlets in the neighborhood.
1. You Don’t Start Dry
The first step to breading chicken is crucial; make sure the chicken is completely dry before starting the dredging process. Using a paper towel, pat the meat dry on all sides. Excess moisture will cause the flour to get soggy and thus will not adhere properly to the chicken.
2. Not Shaking Off the Flour
Be sure to shake off any excess flour on the chicken. Excess flour will create a coating that prevents the egg mixture from latching on to the chicken, which ultimately will prevent the breading from sticking properly. For crispy, flavorful chicken, make sure to remove any excess flour before proceeding.
3. Skimping on the Crumb
Whatever you coat the chicken in, make sure to do so thoroughly. No matter what type of crumb you use, coat the meat evenly and completely on every side. Step it up with this recipe for pretzel-coated chicken nuggets.
4. Forgetting the Last Pat
After you’ve covered the meat in breading, pat it down gently on all sides so that every piece sticks to the egg layer. Well-coated chicken is the key to crunchy cutlets, so make sure the breading is patted down before cooking.
5. Being Impatient
If you’re frying, heat the oil in a dutch oven or cast iron skillet. After the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the breading mixture, place them in the hot oil—with plenty of space in between—and let them be! The more you touch the chicken with tongs, the more likely the breading is to fall off. If the cutlets are touching each other, the more likely the breading is to come off. The key here is to be patient. As soon as you see a golden rim appear around the side of the chicken that is submerged in oil, feel free to flip it. Be cautious not to touch or turn the chicken too much. Craving fried chicken? Learn how to deep fry at home with confidence.
The same goes for baking your cutlets—give them space, flip them once, then it’s hands off.
These steps will guarantee that breading stays on your chicken. Crunchy, evenly coated chicken is the key to delicious chicken fingers, chicken parmesan or this southern specialty with gravy.
Can't get enough chicken?
Chicken CapreseIf you can pan-fry a chicken breast, you can upgrade to chicken Caprese with ease. It’s a quick, flavorful weeknight recipe with a pleasant combination of sweet, sour and salty.
Chicken StripsHere's how to deep-fry or bake crispy, golden chicken strips, plus tons of ideas for how to serve them.
Chicken StroganoffThis chicken stroganoff is seasoned with paprika and cooked in a succulent mushroom and onion cream sauce that perfectly clings to the egg noodles it's served with.
Chicken ChimichangasOur chicken chimichangas recipe is simple, delicious and baked rather than fried, which makes them healthier than similar fried dishes. It's oh so easy to assemble these so you just may skip the restaurants from now on!
Here are more baked chicken recipes to make for dinner.
Country Roasted ChickenThis Dutch oven roast chicken recipe gets wonderful flavor from the celery, onion and parsley tucked inside. This is my family's favorite way to make roast chicken. When my daughter was away at school, she even called home to ask me for the recipe so she could make it herself. —Judy Page, Edenville, Michigan. Check out our collection of best chicken recipes.
Slow-Cooked Italian ChickenWith its nicely seasoned tomato sauce, this enticing chicken entree is especially good over pasta. My father loved this dish. —Deanna D’Auria, Banning, California
Chicken with Rosemary Butter SauceThis elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Pineapple Chicken CasseroleI’m always looking for one-dish dinners that save time and cleanup. I love to cook, but with teaching school, playing handbells at church, and juggling my husband’s and teenage twins’ schedules, I have little time in the kitchen. This recipe saves the day! —Susan Warren, North Manchester, Indiana
Texan Ranch Chicken CasseroleEvery time I serve this creamy chicken ranch casserole, it gets rave reviews. The recipe was passed down to me and is so good! It's really easy to make, freezes well and has just a touch of heat. If your family likes more, add some jalapenos! —Kendra Doss, Smithville, Missouri
Rosemary Lime ChickenI experimented with herbs and seasonings quite a bit before creating the final version of this entree. The tartness of the lime juice really complements the rosemary. Everyone loves it.—Nicole Harris, Mt. Union, Pennsylvania
Italian Chicken Skillet SupperRomano cheese, sliced vegetables and pine nuts jazz up this Italian sauteed chicken. It’s easy, and my whole family loves it. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Tasty Onion ChickenThe secret to this French onion chicken is the yummy, crunchy coating that keeps the meat juicy and tender. Round out your meal with green beans and buttermilk biscuits. —Jennifer Hoeft, Thorndale, Texas
Saucy Chicken ThighsEveryone raves about how sweet the sauce is for these slow-cooked chicken thighs. They’re such a breeze because they simmer away while you do other things. They’re ideal appetizers, but you can also add your favorite side for a nice meal. —Kim Puckett, Reagan, Tennessee
Sour Cream ChickenI like this sour cream chicken because you can make it ahead of time. Simply chill the chicken and sour cream mixture together overnight. Then coat it with bread crumbs the next day. —Nancy Stec, Upperco, Maryland
Cashew Chicken with NoodlesI tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken NuggetsI was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Spinach and Feta Stuffed ChickenMy chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Cheddar Chicken PotpieCheese soup is one of my favorites, but it’s a bit too rich for my husband’s taste. Now I make a variation of potpie we both enjoy. If I’m in a hurry, I’ll skip the crust, add extra milk and serve it as a chowder. —Sandra Cothran, Ridgeland, South Carolina
Creamy Italian ChickenItalian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, this Italian dressing chicken is rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida
Slow-Cooker Chicken TacosThis slow-cooker chicken tacos recipe is anything but boring or bland. Fresh lime juice, chili powder, salsa and corn give the tender chicken a burst of fresh flavor.
Chicken Pasta CasseroleThis is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Chicken Wild Rice SoupI'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California
Simple Creamy Chicken EnchiladasThis chicken enchilada recipe is one of the first dishes I created and cooked for my husband right after we got married. He was so impressed! We fix these creamy enchiladas for friends regularly. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Slow-Cooked Southwest ChickenThis dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
Beer Can ChickenElevate your grilling game with a beer can chicken recipe. All you need is dried seasonings and a can of your favorite beer to make the most flavorful and moist chicken your grill has ever seen.
Everything Bagel Chicken StripsI love the flavor profile of everything bagels, so I re-created it with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite chicken finger dip. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Muffin-Tin Chicken PotpiesI made these personalized chicken pot pies in muffin tins for my kids, and they gobbled them up. For the record, the grown-ups did, too! —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Wine-Braised Chicken with Pearl OnionsThis is a family favorite handed down from my grandmother in London. She made it for every family gathering. It was always the first food to go on the table and the first one to disappear. —Wayne Barnes, Montgomery, Alabama
Citrus-Mustard Roasted ChickenTender roast chicken is an elegant dish that's easy to make. We love the tang of orange and lemon slices and the subtle heat from mustard. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing BakeI love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Chicken Potpie SoupMy grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas
Chicken Piccata with Lemon SauceOnce you've tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won't hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California
Parmesan-Crusted ChickenMaking Parmesan-crusted chicken involves dredging chicken in bread crumbs and cheese to yield crisp, browned exteriors with juicy, tender meat inside.
Mango Salsa Chicken with Veggie HashThis hash has the fresh flavors of spring. Using precooked grilled chicken strips makes the meal come together quickly. And the veggies make the dish so pretty! —Lori Mclain, Denton, Texas
Asian Chicken Rice BowlThis super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York
Alfredo Chicken & BiscuitsFor a cute potpie presentation, dish this creamy chicken up in ramekins and top each with a biscuit. I sometimes serve it over hot linguine, too. —Jennifer Jordan of Hubbard, Ohio
Spicy Peach-Glazed Grilled ChickenSimple chicken on the grill can’t compare with this wake-up-the-taste-buds version. It has just the right mix of spicy and sweet flavors. —Karen Sparks, Glendora, California
Chicken Enchiladas for FourThese chicken enchiladas put a little zip into any menu. The rolled tortillas are filled with a hearty mixture of cheese, chicken and green chiles, and then topped with a creamy sauce and more cheese. I sometimes use leftover turkey instead of chicken. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Four-Cheese Chicken FettuccineAs a cattle rancher, my husband's a big fan of beef. For him to comment on a poultry dish is rare. But he always tells me, "I love this casserole!" I first tasted it at a potluck; now, I fix it for my family (we have a 3-year-old daughter) once or twice a month, and I'm asked to take it to most every get-together. —Rochelle Brownlee, Big Timber, Montana
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh HerbsThe key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Pierogi Chicken SupperChicken, cheese and onion combine with frozen pierogi to give dinner a change of pace. Best part is, it takes just 30 minutes to get this satisfying skillet supper on the table. —Barbara Scott, Walkersville, Maryland
Chicken and DumplingsThis homestyle chicken and dumpling soup recipe is just like mom's with its classic mirepoix base and doughy drop dumplings.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Stuffed PeppersUse up leftovers and clean out the fridge by making these super simple and tasty stuffed peppers! This is an ideal weekend meal that you can put together quickly and let cook while you run errands. —Katie Jasiewicz, Belle Isle, Florida
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peppers & PotatoesMy family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Baked Balsamic ChickenAs far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska
Chicken FajitasSizzling chicken fajitas are super easy to make and full of flavor. The secret is in the skillet, which can go from stove to table for restaurant-quality presentation.
Santa Fe Chicken Pizza PieGive your pie a southwestern twist when you slather on the taco sauce and top with black beans, green chiles and kicked-up chicken strips. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Creamy Chicken Noodle SoupA batch of this creamy chicken noodle soup is our answer to soup season or flu season. The soup's satiating nature and wholesome taste will deliver warmth and coziness when you need it most.
Buffalo Chicken LasagnaThis Buffalo chicken lasagna recipe combines two favorite comfort foods: classic Italian lasagna and hot wings with blue cheese.
Chicken & Cheese Tortilla PieTrust me when I say this hearty dish can be assembled in minutes, then devoured even quicker with no leftovers. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas
Stuffed Chicken RollsJust thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
Cilantro & Lemon Marinated Chicken KabobsCook the onions first so there’s plenty of room on the grill for the chicken skewers. Before serving, give the whole platter a spritz of lemon for a sunshiny delight. —Moumita Ghosh, Kolkata, West Bengal
Chicken PotpieLearning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
Gulf Coast Jambalaya RiceAs the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Fontina Rolled ChickenGood food has a way of transporting you to faraway places. My chicken with fontina and cream cheese is like a blissful trip to Italy. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Chicken AmandineWith colorful green beans and pimientos, this attractive casserole is terrific for the holidays. This is true comfort food at its finest. —Kat Woolbright, Wichita Falls, Texas
Tandoori Spiced Chicken Pita Pizza with Greek Yogurt and CilantroMy family and I are big picnickers, and I'm always looking for new dishes to try in the great outdoors. The amazing flavors at our favorite Indian restaurant inspired these mini pizzas. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Curry Chicken and RiceFlavorful, light and nutritious, and happily simple to prepare, this Indian curry chicken and rice recipe is one to bookmark for weeknight meals.
Curried Chicken and Grits CasseroleSouthern-style cheesy grits meet curry and loads of vegetables to make a satisfying casserole that blankets the house with an inviting aroma. —Lori Shamszadeh, Fairhope, Alabama
Barbecue Chicken Cobb SaladI turned barbecue chicken into a major salad with romaine, carrots, sweet peppers and avocados. That’s how I got my family to eat more veggies. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah
Thai Chicken PizzaWhen you cannot decide between Thai takeout or pizza, this is the recipe for you.
Apricot Cranberry ChickenBefore we had kids, my husband and I used to make a lot of challenging recipes, but now we keep things a little simpler. This tangy chicken has big flavors that everybody likes. —Brooke Ruzek, Elk River, Minnesota
Chicken CreoleChicken Creole is deeply flavorful and comforting, showcasing tomatoes, onion, celery, green bell pepper and warm spices.
Teriyaki Pineapple DrumsticksWe have a large family and throw big parties, so I look for ways to free my husband from the grill. Roasted drumsticks keep everyone happy. —Erica Allen, Tuckerton, New Jersey
Chicken & Bean ChiliChili Time is any time you want to make a hungry crowd happy. This creamy chili is a must at my soup party every year. —Theresa Baehr, Williamsburg, Michigan
Spicy Lemon Chicken KabobsWhen I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Crispy Sage Chicken TendersOne of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko-crusted tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
Chicken Alfredo LasagnaOur chicken Alfredo lasagna recipe doesn’t contain any ricotta cheese or red sauce. Instead, we swap in an easy homemade Alfredo sauce, shredded rotisserie chicken and three types of cheese.
Sweet Tea Barbecued ChickenMarinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Grandma’s Cajun Chicken & SpaghettiI’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Swiss Chicken SlidersFriends came over for a spur-of-the-moment bonfire, and I dreamed up these quick chicken sliders so we'd have something to eat. Bake them till the cheese is gooey. —Sara Martin, Whitefish, Montana
Tarragon ChickenTarragon chicken sounds fancy—like you might need to know at least four French cooking techniques to pull it off—but you’ll be surprised at how simple this recipe really is. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a dinner party winner.
Sheet-Pan Chicken and VeggiesOur sheet-pan chicken and veggies recipe features herby chicken thighs, roasted red potatoes and spinach in one no-muss, no-fuss dish. The best part: Cleanup is a breeze!
Grecian Pasta & Chicken SkilletWe love a homemade meal at the end of the day. But the prep involved? Not so much. My Greek-inspired pasta is lemony, herby and, thankfully, easy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Huli Huli ChickenThis huli huli chicken recipe will bring island flavor to your backyard. These grilled chicken thighs are marinated and finished with a sweet and savory sauce.
Lemon Rosemary ChickenLemon zest and fragrant herbs meet in lemon rosemary chicken, an elegant yet homey dish that's simple enough for weeknights and sophisticated enough for serving to guests.
Caesar ChickenOur tasty baked Caesar chicken recipe translates all the flavors of Caesar salad into a delicious, easy-to-make chicken dinner.
Chicken with Peach-Avocado SalsaThis super fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Chicken Cordon Bleu PastaFacebook fans of my blog, Chef in Training, inspired me to make this creamy pasta casserole out of ingredients I had on hand. Success! I took the dish for another flavorful spin and added a bit of smoky bacon and toasted bread crumbs. —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah
Chicken Tamale PieBecause it cooks almost entirely in the slow cooker and uses a boxed cornbread mix, this two-layer chicken tamale pie is an easy and mostly hands-off dinner.
Chicken Barley SoupChicken barley soup is such an easy comfort food, you'll want it on rotation for all of soup season.
Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard ChickenI came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Lemon Chicken OrzoLemon chicken orzo is a one-pot wonder. It's easy enough to make for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough to serve for guests. Customize it with different pasta shapes and your favorite vegetables.
Easy Chicken PiccataEasy chicken recipes are my go-to dinner choice. My chicken piccata pasta dish is ready to serve in a half hour. It takes just a few minutes in the oven to bake to tender perfection. —Hannah Williams, Malibu, California
Special Sesame Chicken SaladWith its delicious mix of crunchy peanuts, tangy dried cranberries and mandarin oranges, this colorful Asian chicken salad is a definite crowd-pleaser. Water chestnuts and a teriyaki dressing give this main dish its Asian flare. —Carolee Ewell, Santaquin, Utah
Slow-Cooker Roast ChickenMake the perfect slow-cooker roast chicken with our easy-to-follow recipe. It's minimal prep, maximum flavor and a foolproof method for a delicious dinner every time.
Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke HeartsI've liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here's my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington
White Chicken ChiliOur white chicken chili recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional red-tinged chili. It's an easy one-pot meal that delivers tender chicken and creamy white beans in a rich, savory broth.
Fried Chicken and WafflesEver tried the popular southern dish fried chicken and waffles? Here's why it belongs on your breakfast menu.
Grilled Lemon ChickenGrilled lemon chicken is easy to prep ahead, and when you're about ready to eat, all you need to do is fire up the grill. No matter who you're serving, they'll love the citrus in this flavorful main dish.
Roast ChickenHave a hankering for roast chicken? The Taste of Home Test Kitchen has tips on how to roast a chicken perfectly every time.
Macaroni and Cheese with ChickenPrep once and feed the family twice with this comforting, hearty macaroni and cheese with chicken. Pro tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for another time.
Black Bean & Chicken Enchilada LasagnaTwice a month I make chicken enchiladas, lasagna-style. It’s a regular with us because assembly is easy and my whole family gives it a thumbs-up. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
West African Peanut StewEven if you don't have the most adventurous palate, West African peanut stew is a dish almost anyone can appreciate. It's a rich, comforting meal for cooler weather, and the ingredients are both familiar and widely available.
Salsa Verde Chicken CasseroleThis is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of a number of Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in hardly any time! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Chicken CacciatoreThis dump-and-go chicken cacciatore recipe is just the slow cooker meal you need for busy weeknights.
Chicken TacosThis chicken taco recipe features a light, refreshing salsa made from avocados and corn. The chicken takes on the perfect combination of seasonings as you cook this dish; you may even want to make extra because it's just that good.
Chicken TetrazziniChicken tetrazzini is a classic comfort dish. This recipe in particular comes with a generous twist, making a casserole for you and your family and another for the freezer or a friend.
Apple Balsamic ChickenI just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this dish. It's easy to prepare and after cooking in the slow cooker, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Caribbean Chicken Stir-FryFruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It's a promising go-to option when time's tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini RibbonsThe first time I substituted zucchini noodles for regular pasta, it was because I was trying to reduce carbohydrates and calories. Now I make them because we love the flavor and texture they bring to dishes. This dish is just as delicious if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon RelishWe all need a quick meal that's deliciously healthy. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I grill the chicken and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. To amp up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
